Chief Mike Snider

09/02/2026

Another great example of the work being done by our IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs sections and the value that membership in the International Association of Fire Chiefs brings to fire service leaders and their organizations.

The IAFC - VCOS Section (Volunteer and Combination Officers Section) Ribbon Reports provide practical resources addressing important issues facing today’s fire and emergency service:

🟣 Lavender Ribbon Report — Provides 11 best practices for preventing firefighter cancer and reducing occupational exposure to carcinogens.

🟡 Gold Ribbon Report — Focuses on utilizing data in emergency response, helping departments better collect, understand, and use their data while preparing for the transition to NERIS.

🟨 Yellow Ribbon Report — Focuses on behavioral health and emotional wellness, providing resources and recommendations to help departments support their people and strengthen organizational culture.

These reports are a great example of the value our IAFC sections provide—bringing together the knowledge and experience of fire service leaders and turning it into practical resources that departments of every size and type can use.

I encourage IAFC members to take advantage of these reports and the many other resources available through VCOS and our other sections.

Unity. Purpose. Progress.

Discover the VCOS Ribbon Reports. These reports offer essential best practices and guidelines to enhance safety, health, and operations in fire departments. Tap into these valuable resources to empower your team and improve your department.
Learn more: https://www.iafc.org/about-iafc/sections/vcos/

08/29/2026

One of the many benefits of IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs membership is access to the knowledge, experience, and resources developed across our organization and its sections.

I’m pleased to share one of the many great resources available to our members. Resources like this reflect the value of our sections—bringing together subject-matter experts, sharing best practices, and providing practical information that fire and emergency service leaders can use within their own organizations.

I encourage you to explore the many resources available through the IAFC and our sections and take advantage of all that your membership has to offer.

🚒 The fire apparatus market has changed—and departments are feeling the impact.

The Emergency Vehicle Supply and Demand: Fire Service Apparatus Supply, Specification, and Manufacturing Analysis white paper brings together fire service and industry expertise to help agencies understand today’s market—and, more importantly, identify strategies to navigate it.

📄 Explore the white paper and learn how your department can better prepare for the road ahead. https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/emergency-vehicle-supply-and-demand-a-practical-guide-to-fire-apparatus-planning-and-procurement

08/18/2026

Honored to serve alongside these great leaders!

🎉 Congratulations to Chief Steven Locke of the South Burlington Fire Department (VT) on being installed as the 150th President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs during Fire-Rescue International 2026 in Kansas City.

Joining him on the IAFC Executive Committee are Chief Ernest Malone (Indianapolis, IN), First Vice President, and Chief Mike Snider (Lee's Summit, MO), Second Vice President. We also extend our sincere thanks to Immediate Past President Chief Trisha Wolford for her exceptional leadership and service.

📖 Read the official press release: https://www.iafc.org

08/17/2026

Grateful to make a quick turnaround from IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International and head to the Missouri State Fair Fire Department to celebrate 65 years of a truly unique fire service tradition!

For 65 years, the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri has operated what is known as the only 11-day fire department in the United States, protecting and serving the Missouri State Fair each year.

Proud to celebrate this milestone and the generations of Missouri firefighters who have volunteered their time, talent and service to make it possible. 65 years of tradition, service and dedication to Missouri!

Congratulations to everyone who has been part of this incredible history—and to those carrying the tradition forward today!

08/17/2026

What a week!

Honored to be sworn in as your IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs 2nd Vice President.

Honored to have the opportunity to serve our membership in the years ahead.

Honored to represent the fire service not only across our country, but internationally.

Honored to stand alongside fire service leaders who are committed to making our profession stronger.

Honored to connect with so many new colleagues and build relationships that I know will last for years to come.

Honored to reconnect with so many longtime friends who have been part of this journey.

Honored by the trust placed in me by the IAFC membership.

Honored by every conversation, handshake, word of encouragement and shared idea throughout the week.

Honored to represent Lee's Summit Fire Department, and the incredible men and women I have the privilege of serving alongside every day.

Honored to have the opportunity to listen, learn and help bring people together around the challenges and opportunities facing our fire service.

Honored to be part of an organization with such a rich history and an even greater responsibility for the future of our profession.

But the greatest honor of the entire week was having Karrie, Bret Snider and Bradyn Snider there beside me. Every opportunity, every accomplishment and every step of this journey means more because I get to share it with them. Their support and sacrifice have made so much of this possible.

I leave this week grateful, humbled by the responsibility ahead, and more energized than ever about what we can accomplish together.

The work begins.

Unity. Purpose. Progress.

08/11/2026

Fire Rescue International has always been more than a conference to me. It is where our fire service comes together—where relationships are strengthened, ideas are shared, and we recommit ourselves to making our profession better.

This year carries even greater meaning for me as I begin (at the conclusion of the conference) a new chapter of service with the IAFC. Grateful for the opportunity to be here, to listen, to learn, and to serve alongside so many incredible fire service leaders.

Unity. Purpose. Progress.

🎉 The wait is over! We're excited to kick off in Kansas City!

Get ready for an unforgettable week of leadership, learning, innovation, and networking with fire and EMS professionals from around the world.

Let's make this our best FRI yet! 🚒 iafc.org/fri

08/08/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone in Kansas City next week for IAFC Fire-Rescue International!

It will be a great week to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the fire service, make new connections, and continue working together to move our profession forward.

Safe travels to KC — see you at IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs FRI!

🚨 There's still time to join us at !

🔥 World-class education
🎤 Inspiring keynote speakers
🤝 Networking & Special Events
🚒 Hands-on learning
💡 The latest innovations

📍 Register today: IAFC.org/FRI

08/07/2026

The Missouri Fire Fighters Critical Illness Pool was created for a simple reason: to take care of those who spend their careers taking care of others.

For years, Missouri’s fire service recognized a significant gap in protecting firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer. Rather than continuing to accept that gap, fire service labor and management came together with legislators and other partners to find a Missouri solution—one that could provide meaningful support when firefighters and their families need it most.

What began with a focus on cancer has continued to grow, expanding to address behavioral health and provide even greater support for Missouri’s first responders. Today, the Pool represents what can be accomplished when we put organizational differences aside, identify a common purpose, and work together to take care of our people.

This new video shares the story of why the Missouri Firefighters Critical Illness Pool was created and the people and purpose behind it.

I’m proud to share our story—and even more proud of what Missouri’s fire service has accomplished together.

Take a few minutes to watch and learn why this Pool matters.

This short film provides information on the MFFCIP cancer and behav...